Author: Press Trust of India
Publications: Herald, Panaji, Goa
Dated: March 14, 2001
Maharashtra government is in touch
with the Centre in considering ban on the Students' Islamic Movement in
India (SIMI) for its role in fanning communal passion in the State, leading
to recent riots over rumours of burning of Quran, both Houses of the State
legislature were informed today.
In the council, replying to a stormy
debate on law and order situation in the wake of communal riots during
the last three days, Maharashtra Minister of State for Home, Manikrao Thakre
admitted that "extremist elements" in SIMI were responsible for the recent
violence in the State but said, since it was a "nation-side organisation,"
it was upto the Central government to take a decision in the matter.
He denied that State government
was "shielding SIMI" to safeguard the "Muslim vote bank" as alleged by
the Shiv Sena - BJP opposition.
Mr. Thakre's speech
was disrupted by the Opposition with Sena-BJP clamouring for State government's
announcement on SIMI's ban.
The minister said, the police had
registered 12 cases involving SIMI in various parts of the State, adding
"we are determined to take harsh measure to deal with anti-national activities
of the organisation".
The legislative assembly witnessed
uproarious scenes and three adjournments earlier in the day with the Sena-BJP
Opposition squarely blaming the DF government for "deteriorating" law and
order situation and prevailing communal tension in parts of the State.
In the council, Mr.
Thakre said, while he was in agreement with the Opposition on the role
of SIMI in fomenting communal passions in the State on the issue of Quran
which was never burnt in Delhi, it was wrong to suggest that the entire
Muslim community was supporting the fundamentalist outfit.
The minister said, a total of 215
persons had so far been arrested in the State in the wake of communal violence
during the last three days by police who had also effected 462 preventive
arrests.
The total damage to the property
in various parts of the State, including Pune, Parbhani, Jalna, Aurangabad,
and Nanded amounted to Rs. 18 lakh.
In Pune, as many as 107 persons
were arrested and property worth Rs. 7 lakh was damaged, he
informed.
The minister's reply remained inconclusive
today even as the Opposition members raised slogans demanding immediate
ban on SIMI as the House rose for the day.
In the assembly, Deputy Chief Minister,
Chhagan Bhujbal said the State government has already sent Intelligence
Bureau's report suggesting ban on SIMI.
